Saudi Real Estate Sales Drop 17% in September, Rentals Rise 18%

The value of real estate sales in Saudi Arabia dropped 17 percent in September 2026 to 27.76 billion riyals, compared to about 33.59 billion riyals in the same month last year, according to General Authority for Real Estate data published by the Amlak website.

The value of residential transactions fell 19 percent to 14.94 billion riyals from 18.41 billion, while non-residential transactions decreased 15 percent to 12.83 billion riyals from 15.18 billion. The residential sector accounted for about 54 percent of the total value.

The number of sales transactions declined 13 percent to 21,991 transactions from 25,196 transactions, with land leading sales in the residential sector at a value of 6.42 billion riyals despite a 32 percent decline. Makkah Region recorded the highest transaction value at 10.47 billion riyals, representing 37.7 percent, followed by Riyadh with 9.06 billion riyals, and the Eastern Province with 4.72 billion riyals.

On the other hand, the value of rental transactions rose 18 percent to 9.39 billion riyals from 7.94 billion riyals, with a 19 percent increase in residential rentals and a 17 percent increase in non-residential rentals. The number of rental transactions jumped 37 percent to 413,835 transactions, and the number of registered lease contracts rose 36 percent to 353,089 contracts, with Riyadh accounting for 42 percent of the rental value.

What do these terms mean?

Real estate transaction: A purchase or sale process of a registered property, whose value and number are calculated within market indicators.

Rental transaction: A new or renewed lease contract for a residential or commercial property, whose value and contract count are measured monthly.

Non-residential sector: Properties designated for commercial, administrative, or industrial use, including offices, stores, and warehouses.